Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in the Hammocks, FL

  • Published 2023/05/12

Situated a few minutes from downtown Miami, The Hammocks is a lovely census-designated place.

It’s not as big or as energetic as Miami or Tampa, but it’s an ideal destination to see a more laid-back side of Florida.

The suburb offers plenty of parks to relax and recharge and local dining establishments worth checking out.

Since the Hammocks is only less than an hour from Miami, you can visit on a short day trip or a long weekend vacation.

Here are the 15 best things to do in The Hammocks, Florida!

Bring Your Dogs to West Kendall District Park

If you’re traveling with your dogs, treat them to a fun day out and visit West Kendall District Park, tucked near a quiet residential area along SW 157th Avenue.

The dog park has 6.5 acres and has two areas for large dogs weighing more than 35 pounds and one for smaller dogs weighing less than 35 pounds.

Having two separate areas assures owners of a safe yet fun environment for their four-legged friends to run around and make new friends.

The West Kendall District Park dog parks have play equipment like tire jumps, dog walk ramps, a paws table, and more.

The park also has dog comfort stations with drinking fountains, water sprays, dog waste scoopers, and a shade canopy to keep the areas clean.

For humans, park benches, picnic areas, restrooms, and walkways connect different park areas.

Follow the Hammocks Lake Loop

The Hammocks Lake Loop is a seven-mile paved trail for biking, walking, jogging, or running.

It offers scenic views of Hammocks Lake and plenty of trees and shade along the way, where you can rest and cool down.

You can start the Hammocks Lake Loop at Hammocks Community Park, passing through tree-lined paths and quiet residential areas.

The Hammocks Main Clubhouse and Water Oaks Park are places of interest you’ll pass along the trail.

Since the trail is flat and relatively easy, it takes roughly two hours to complete one loop, and you can also bring your dogs on the path as long as they’re on a leash.

That way, you can allot more time for other activities and explore different places around The Hammocks.

Take the Kids to Hammocks Community Park

For a day out with the family, visit Hammocks Community Park, located at the heart of the area and near Kendall Ice Arena.

It may not be the biggest park you’ll visit, but it offers plenty of outdoor activities, whether you want to relax in the garden or play with your kids.

Park facilities include baseball diamonds, an outdoor exercise area, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a children’s playground.

There are also open spaces for games like frisbee, catch, and soccer.

If you want to do something relaxing, picnic at the park or read a book.

Hammocks Community Park is also a great starting point for those who want to jog or bike around the Hammocks Lake Loop.

Try the Craft Beers at Spanish Marie Brewery

After a day of playing at the parks or exploring the rest of the Hammocks, drop by Spanish Marie Brewery for the best craft beer and bar chow.

This independently-owned and operated brewery uses locally-sourced ingredients to help local businesses.

Come to Spanish Marie Brewery and discover its unique craft beers and beer slushies if you want to try something else.

Pair your drink with cheese pizza, bruschetta, cupcakes, quesadillas, salad, and burgers.

On select nights, they host karaoke nights, game nights, and screenings of popular sporting events.

The brewery is at SW 120th Street near Boystown Pineland County Park and Wild Lime Park.

Savor Cuban Food at El Rinconcito Latino Cafe

Are you ready for Cuban cuisines like grilled chicken, ropa vieja, and vaca frita?

Satisfy your cravings at El Rinconcito Latino Cafe.

The restaurant is located across Kings Meadow Park, making it a popular dining option for those dropping by the park.

You can even dine at El Rinconcito Latino Cafe before visiting Kings Meadow Park or order takeout for a picnic there.

Enjoy appetizers like tostones (twice-fried plantain slices), calamari, and your favorite chicken, meat, and seafood-based dishes.

Dinner meals are served with two side orders, and you can choose between white rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, fried or boiled yuca, and more.

Relax at Sugarwood Park

Sugarwood Park is a small community park where you can relax under the trees and take a break.

It has a basketball court, a short walking trail, outdoor gym facilities, and a field.

Although it has fewer facilities than other parks, the open green space has plenty of activities.

You can play frisbee, catch, soccer, or picnic with the family.

A paved walkway and walking trail connect Sugarwood Park to Kings Meadow Park.

Take the walkway and walk past tree-covered roads and houses to get to the park to explore more of the Hammocks.

Grab a Meal at Hammocks Grill

Established in 1993, Hammocks Grill has been a local staple for over 20 years.

It’s the best place to grab a bite, unwind, and chat with the friendly locals after spending the day out.

Their wings may be Hammocks Grill’s bestseller, but you can try other dishes like their veggie burger, BBQ pork sandwich, grilled chicken tenders & fries, house salad, or classic grilled chicken parm.

Pair your chosen meal with a glass of ice-cold beer or wine and have a good time with the locals and other customers.

Located at Shoppes @ 104, getting to the bar and grill is convenient from any point in The Hammocks.

Spend a Lazy Afternoon at Forest Lakes Park

Surrounded by quiet residential areas, Forest Lakes Park is a great place to visit if you want to unwind and do something relaxing.

It only has a basketball court, a children’s playground, a walking trail, and a large multipurpose field.

Visitors can use them for relaxation, sports, or fitness-related purposes.

Visit Forest Lakes Park and spend quality time with your family, whether a fun picnic under the trees or a few games of tag, soccer, or frisbee.

Take in the relaxing ambiance of the park on a stroll or break a sweat by jogging around the paved trail.

Unwind at Kings Meadow Park

If you’re looking for a place to bring your family, check out Kings Meadow Park.

It’s tucked within a tranquil residential area but still near essential establishments like restaurants, pharmacies, and gas stations.

Park amenities include a children’s playground, an open field, and basketball courts.

Kings Meadow Park is dog-friendly, so bring your canine friend for a bonding day.

For a change of scenery, take the short walking trail to Sugarwood Park, or run to and from the park as your daily exercise.

Stock up on Supplies at Hammocks Town Center

For your groceries, food, and shopping needs, head to Hammocks Town Center.

It’s strategically located at the heart of the Hammocks and near places like Hammocks Community Park and Hammocks Lake.

You can also find popular dining options like Amici’s and Aromas del Peru if you’re looking for a place to eat between your shopping trip.

Hammocks Town Center is near other places of interest, like the Kendall Ice Center and West Kendall Regional Library.

That way, you’ll never run out of things to do within the area.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Stroll around the Gardens of Fruit & Spice Park

A gorgeous waterfall at Fruit & Spice Park

Margarita Hintukainen / Shutterstock.com

Take a day trip from the Hammocks to Fruit & Spice Park, a 37-acre botanical garden and park featuring hundreds of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs.

It’s the country’s only tropical botanical garden of its kind and offers a refreshing change of scenery from the towering skyscrapers and larger-than-life billboards.

Tour Fruit & Spice Park and find around 150 mango varieties, 70 bamboo varieties, 40 banana varieties, 15 jackfruit varieties, and other exotic edible plants.

Flowers at Fruit & Spice Park

Amanda Reyes / Shutterstock.com

Along your exploration of the trails, you can also try the fruits that have fallen from the tree.

On the other hand, bring them to the Welcome Center if you’re unsure if they’re safe to eat.

Fruit & Spice Park is in Homestead, Florida, 19 minutes from the Hammocks.

Interior of Fruit & Spice Park's conservatory

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy Peace at Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple

Exterior of Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple

alexmillos / Shutterstock.com

Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple is a Thai Buddhist temple in Homestead, an 18-minute drive from the Hammocks.

Built in 1979, the temple boasts horn-like chofahs, Thai architectural decorative ornaments that seemingly shine in the sun.

It also features traditional wood carvings of Garuda, a mythical bird believed to ward off evil spirits.

A statue in front of Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple

alexmillos / Shutterstock.com

As beautiful as it looks from the outside, see the ornate interiors of Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple, with its 23-foot-tall gold leaf image of Buddha that came from Bangkok.

People of all religions and beliefs can visit the temple, learn more about Buddhism, and reflect.

Hallway at Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple

alexmillos / Shutterstock.com

See the Animals of Monkey Jungle

See hundreds of primates at Monkey Jungle, a one-of-a-kind zoological park dedicated to the exhibition and study of endangered monkeys.

The zoo was established in 1935 by Joseph DuMond, an animal behaviorist who initially released six Java monkeys into a tropical forest.

Today, it offers a unique educational experience where the public can have up-close encounters with the primates in a safe environment.

Go on a tour around Monkey Jungle and meet all kinds of primates, including spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys.

Aside from exploring the different areas, you can also watch eco-shows to give you a more profound appreciation for the animals.

Monkey Jungle is located in South Miami, Florida, a 15-minute drive from the Hammocks.

Visit the Fascinating Coral Castle

The grounds of Coral Castle

David Souza / Shutterstock.com

Located 22 minutes from the Hammocks, Coral Castle is one of the most intriguing and unique sites in Homestead.

The site features numerous oolite coral structures sculpted into different shapes, such as a water fountain, sundial, tables, chairs, and even a crescent moon.

However, what makes it mysterious is that it was built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian-American eccentric.

Coral structures at Coral Castle

Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock.com

As such, many theories and urban legends have been told about its origins, with some saying that Leedskalnin used supernatural abilities and other mysterious powers to create the carvings.

Explore Coral Castle and see Leedskalnin’s accomplishments, including the nine-ton gate that moves with a touch of a finger, the moon-shaped figure, and other fascinating pieces.

Stairs at Coral Castle

Carl Stewart / Shutterstock.com

Learn Rail History at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum

A child playing at Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Yailen / Shutterstock.com

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is a historical museum in Miami, located 15 minutes from The Hammocks, adjacent to Zoo Miami.

Built on the former Naval Air Station Richmond, the museum is dedicated to preserving, showcasing, and operating historic railroad equipment.

At the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, you can find a collection of modern railroad equipment, including the Presidential Rail Car Ferdinand Magellan.

Steam locomotive at Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visiting the museum lets you see and board vintage trains, giving you a deeper appreciation for how trains have evolved.

Aside from the exhibits, there’s a plaza where visitors can bring their lunch for a relaxing picnic and a sandbox for kids to play with after exploring the museum.

A train at Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

The Hammocks may not be as lively as downtown Miami, but it’s still worth checking out.

Its numerous parks offer a small-town charm, providing a unique but welcoming change of scenery.

Moreover, you can enjoy free things like hanging out at parks or enjoying some downtime at the library.

Check out this list of the best things to do in The Hammocks, Florida!

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